>> Monday, December 21, 2015

>> Saturday, September 19, 2015

(You thought Interactive Dreams was over?) Years back we found out about Joe Guard, a student project by the guy who later on started DIMA (Creative Media) to develop unique CD-i games like Family Games and Christmas Country. I always found it a missed opprtunity that they didn't develop Joe Guard as a full game. Joe Guard showed smooth horizontal and vertical scrolling in the same gameplay; that was pretty unique on CD-i. Games like this could have been the Mario of CD-i if it was polished a bit more. Anyway, some websites seem to offer printed and copied versions of the software, like Oldergames did in 2002. I always like the fake boxarts which lives up to my imagination. CD-i could have been so much more!

So sometimes I google some classic CD-i terms to see what pops up, now and then I find something interesting to post here at Interactive Dreams. Today I found Retro Game Lab, possibly existing for years, I don't know. They sell reproduction games and even CD-i games like Super Mario's Wacky World and Voyeur 2. it would be cool to see Microcosm popping up here as well!

>> Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The CD-i 180/181/182 professional units came with a touch-panel, that works just like the Bamboo tablets to draw on. On top there was a stylus, and it could be connected to the remote control so it becomes 1 unit. Very innovative (mind you, this was developed in the eighties) - Unfortunately, this technology never made it to the consumer versions of CD-i players, but it could have been a great feature to promote CD-i with (drawing pictures, precise control for games...)
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Interesting to see that delayed projects made possible by third parties in the high-days of CD-i still came out in 1997. It were only a few, a couple of five, and most of these were published by Philips itself. Welcome Reed Interactive, the (new) software part of Reed Children's Books. I'm not sure if it was set up just for this title, but Reed contracted Media Station (US based software company, strong in interactive storytelling (a Philips Sidewalk Studio rival), with a history of titles produced for Disney and Microsoft.

So Media Station created in 1995 "Haunted House", a CD-i title you might remember. It was published by Reed Interactive in 1997. Again, a delayed project. The CD-i platform is known for its many "delayed projects". Some of them never saw the light of day (Tom & Tim, Discworld), some of them did at the very last moment (The Lost Ride, Creature Shock). We might be lucky that Reed took charge of publishing the title, otherwise Haunted House could easily have been a cancelled project as well.

It seems that Philips Media was only used for the distribution of the title to its channels.

We found an interesting press release:

"May 11, 1995--Reaffirming the company's commitment to providing outstanding interactive family entertainment, Media Station Thursday announced that the company is producing "Haunted House," an interactive adventure based on Jan Piekowski's world renowned pop-up book, for Reed Children's Books.

Philips Media will distribute "Haunted House" this fall on CD-ROM for the Windows platform and on the CD-i platform in Spring '96. The title will be demonstrated at Media Station's booth, West Hall No. 3524, and Philips Media booth, South Hall No. 1801 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

"We worked closely with Jan Piekowski to capture the ghoulish surprises featured in the bewitching, interactive world of `Haunted House,'" said David Gregory, chairman and chief creative officer of Media Station. "Media Station has brought to life the full creative vision of Jan Piekowski through lavish music and stunning animation, resulting in a fun-filled interactive experience."

"Jan has been in the forefront of creating involving products for children, long before the computer was a household word," said Sarina Simon, president of Philips Media Home and Family Entertainment. "We are very excited to be associated with Jan as he brings his unique talents to multimedia."

Players wander through the house and they encounter strange and unexpected creatures, fun-filled games and spooky challenges. Children will be captivated as they seek to unlock the dreaded cellar.

In the making of "Haunted House," Media Station integrates the value of classic entertainment elements -- charming and lively character development, comprehensive sound design, full musical scores and engaging wit and humor -- with the replayability of innovative interactive treatments and gaming elements.

Jan Piekowski is one of the world's most famous children's authors and illustrators. Internationally known for his unique and clever children's books, he has written more than 60 books and, with the publishing of "Haunted House," led the resurgence of the pop-up book genre."

Look at this lovely demo pod for CD-i. They had these integrated players in the Evoluon in Eindhoven, and in many public places like libraries and hospitals. It's what I think the latest and last version of the CD-i pod. The main previous version was built with the slogan "Philips Invents for You", the slogan that was used when CD-i was invented. Later in 1993 when "Let's make things better" took over the slogan, slowly they replaced all marketing with new versions. There's a normal CD-i player behind it and a normal CRT screen, which you can easily take out and replace. The controls are integrated with an original Roller Controller, which is still one of the best controller units for kids' hands. Or great to play Chaos Control with.
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Welcome to CD-i!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Interactive Dreams. You've just come to a warmhearted place all dedicated to the Philips CD-i. With attention to detail and quality, 2015 should see the rise of CD-i as a Retrogaming platform. For many CD-i has gone as a relative obscurity had it not been for the intervention of websites like The Black Moon Project and Interactive Dreams. Hopefully we're doing our bit to set the record straight along with all the other great CD-i projects.

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Do you have tips on what to post about CD-i? Can you help us with screenshots, videos or reviews? We'd love it when you share it with us! Please email us at interactive [dot] dreams [at] gmail [dot] com, thanks in advance!